Kawasaki Versys-X 300 On and Off Road Test Ride: My New Favorite Adventure Bike for Beginners 

I'm 71, riding for 55+ years, bike number 64... I love the Versys. Have owned a couple other Adventure bikes (KLR650 and Himalayan) and this one is by far my favorite. It may be a good beginner's bike as you say, but it's a good bike for anyone with any amount of riding skills and years in the saddle.

Very underrated bike. Would have killed everything else if it had the ninja 400 engine

I've been riding for over 40 years and this is my favourite bike. I mostly ride gravel roads and trails in the woods. Not a motocross but will take me anywhere I want to ride. I'm an explorer by nature and mostly ride alone. I modified the suspension, put knobbies on, a tall seat from Seat Concepts.

You really hit the nail on the head with this one. I too have used words like "Swiss Army Knife" when describing this bike to people. As an NYC resident I have to do a two hour highway slog just to get to roads that I actually want to ride for fun. This bike can do anything you throw at it short of true dual sport terrain, and there are no shortage of videos of guys doing some pretty gnarly stuff on this bike that I would never even attempt. It is very capable on twisty roads, and the fact that you have to wring its neck to get to the good power is a pro, not a con. In the car world they say the answer is always Miata, in moto they should say that the answer is always Versys-x300... Until they come out with the Versys-x400, at least. People dismiss this bike out of hand because it is only a 300, but in a class where they are just taking a Duke and putting Adventure Plastics on it and calling it an Adventure Bike, this feels more like a small, lightweight adventure bike done right.

Glad you love this bike! Like others here, I've been riding a little over 30 years and have done everything from a big Kawasaki Nomad 1600 bagger to the little Yamaha TW200. After I sold the TW200 (which I regret), I bought the Versys 300x to be an all-around travel bike that could handle highway speeds, but was also short enough for my 5' 4" frame, and light enough that I could pick up if I slipped on a trail - important for a 50+year old woman. I upgraded the front sprocket, which fixed the quick shift and revving, and also gained a better top-end on the highway. My off-roading experience on the bike is limited to fire roads along the Blue Ridge Parkway, but that's enough for me. I absolutely love this machine! My only complaint is the seat. A sheepskin helps, but I'm still looking for a better seat.

I'm 75 and have owned 332 bikes in my life, been riding since 14. Own 8 at present, am loving smaller bikes as I grow older and weaker. This looks like something I'm going to look into in my future. Thanks for the honest review.

Good review. I just returned from a 2,000 mile trip all over Baja. Performed like an absolute charm. I now have a little over 10,000 miles on it and love it. I put an aftermarket seat on it so that I wasn’t pushed too far forward. I’m 6’3” and I’m very comfortable on it now.

I pretty much agree with you on everything. I filled up yesterday. 3.98 gal. at 212 miles. It pulls from 4000 rpm and runs comfortably at 75 mph and 9000 rpm. I went out this afternoon and put 60 miles on it on two lane country roads. 80 degrees and strong S winds in NORTEX. I've added a center stand and bag on the back. I'm looking for some panniers before I set out on an adventure. It's way more fun than my 100 horse Harley. I'm saving for a new 5 speed GROM. It handles well on dirt, mud and gravel. It's a great bike foe someone who recently turned 75. I grew up riding 2 stroke dirt bikes in the early 70s. My first street bike was a 72 Yamaha R5C. 4 wheels move the body, 2 wheels move the soul.

Great review. I own a Versys 300x & found with a few little upgrades (tyres, 15 tooth front sprocket & larger foot pegs) it becomes a very capable on & off road adventure bike. I very impressed with Versys 300x especially for the price. Spot on with being a great bike for new riders but it’s also great for all riders who want to have fun. Thanks 👍

I've had mine for 3 years now. The Versys X 300 has to be the greatest bike ever made (for $5500). It's no Dual-Sport, but it will go anywhere you point it with 100% confidence. Love it!

Reading these comments, and listening to your review, I think I will get one tomorrow. Went and got one. Been riding off-road since the early 70s. Defiantly not an entry level rider. Got it for the twin, the low weight in case I drop it, and the low stance so that I probably won’t drop it in the first place. Went to get a KLRs a few weeks ago, but found the Versys that I didn’t know existed. Really wanted a twin, lightweight, water cooled with long range.

The Versys X-300 is a really neat bike. It's definitely more street oriented but if you do a lot of mixed riding and mainly stick to easier terrain when riding off road it's hard to beat. Great video!

I have this bike and put a 15 spoke sprocket in it and it lowered the revs making it more enjoyable in lower gears. Overall a great bike for me (5'8" tall) and i weight in at 140 lbs. As an older guy it works for me. Good video.

Love mine. Most other riders I chat with are surprised it's only a 300 with its looks. If they did make a 400 (or 399 for insurance), I think i'd jump on it in a heartbeat, 300 has never let me down but i've felt it's limits on a number of occasions.

I just built one of these at work today and was shocked at how nice it is to ride. I’m 5’6 with a 29” inseam. It is very well balanced I rode it through the gauntlet of side by sides in the shop at less than 1mp and never even felt the need to take my feet off the pegs.

Nice short review (I'm a first-time viewer of your channel). I wish they offered a tubeless tire option. Holy Grail would be a Versys 400x, same low seat height, tubeless tires, 5 gallon tank, more wind/rain protection. That would be the ultimate solo tourer/light-ADV bike for smaller riders! SUBSCRIBED!

5'10 here too. Looked at this bike last year and felt great standing over it. Was looking to buy one until I found a great deal on my used CSC RX3. Riding the heck out of it right now so maybe when the Kawasaki the good times truck shows up in my area I'll take the versys and the klr for a spin. Thanks for this review.

The Versys 300 has many of the same pros and cons as my BMW G310GS. I've ridden small displacement dual sport bikes since 1975 and always wanted a small thumper ADV bike and we finally have them. Unfortunately, the manufacturers are still largely treating them as intro bikes for newbies or as bikes for the Asian market. I wish they'd treat them more seriously, although then they'd probably dump a bunch of goofy complex stuff on there not realizing that light and simple are positive attributes that attract many people to these bikes. When I say "serious", I mean substituting aluminum for steel to make the bikes lighter, upgraded suspension with preload and compression dampening front and rear, larger fuel capacity, and maybe a rain mode or that automagic traction control that'll stand a bike up to prevent a crash. I'm in my 60s and many of my contemporaries are selling their big heavy ADV bikes and buying a smaller ADV bike so they can continue to ride after the big bike is too much to man handle off road or pick up when dropped. I've always enjoyed ultralight camping so for me, the smaller cargo capacity isn't so bad. A 300cc ADV bike is a very fast version of mountain bike camping. Coming from older dual sport bikes with barely street legal knobbies, the little ADV bike is a real joy on the road where I usually ride, and it's still capable enough off road for the riding I'm doing into my dotage.

I did a test ride on the Versys 300, and liked the bike as you did. It's a fun little bike and this engine is smooth, but high-revving. I ended up buying the Honda CB500X, you should try that bike also. It's got some of the best qualities of the Versys 300 and the KLR-650. The CB500X produces torque at the lower RPM's like the KLR, but has the smoothness of a twin cylinder like the Versys.

It really is a nice bike. I gotta say though, you should let the engine rev higher. I typically cruise between 6k and 8k. The first half of the rev range is mostly just there to get from idle to cruise. You start getting the most pull around 8k, and peak power is close to redline, so that bike really likes to rev.

The wife has one. Took it over the top of the Steens with a group of dual sports at the Giant Loop this year. Other than an oil fill cap problem (long story) it did great. She has been riding dirt bikes for many years and can hang right with me on the little Versys. Cool bike

Interesting post. AT first glance I thought you were riding my actual bike, since I have that same exact bike and I bought it in Sublimity. But Mine had zero miles on it at pick up. Im a new rider, 6'2", 235# with bi-lat knee replacements, so I don't have the greatest range of motion in my knees. I only have 100 miles on mine so far but Im loving it, super comfortable to ride and learn on. Price saved me $1500 from a shop in Eugene, obviously worth the drive north. Kawasaki doesn't honor the "Ergo fit" concepts with the Versys as they offer with the Vulcan. I've ordered a high rise more comfortable seat from Seat Concepts. Hoping that helps with knee comfort. Looking forward to more riding and learning..

I am six feet tall with a 31 inch inseam. Put a gel pad and a sheepskin on the saddle and now find it extremely comfy. I went up one tooth on the front sprocket which calms the revs a little and makes 70mph on a motorway doable. The bike feels really light and flickable - it has been described as a mini sports bike on steroids. I mainly use mine for local runs down mucky lanes here in Norfolk in the UK and enjoy the ability to behave badly without endangering my licence. Only negatives for me are tubed tyres which I do not like. I also replaced the stock screen after it developed stress fractures aorund the mounting points - I think a previous owner had over tightened the bolts. Finally, valve checks are at 8,000 miles and are a pain as everything has to come off to get at the darn things. Bike is a keeper for me though as there is nothing else comes near. And I have a "big" bike for touring too.

Well this bike is in the running for a down scale from a DL1000 that is my second ride. My high mileage DL650 probably is worth dirt by the time I'm finished with her. The 1000 is heavy for my rebuilt shoulders and my advancing age (67) . Smaller lighter bikes are shining in the sun like my balding head. Subscribed!

Feels cramped lol. I'm 6'3, 34" inseam. I ride the daylights out of my x300. It's all perception. Once you solve the seat issues, the Versys is an awesome do it all 65 mpg toy. I've been riding for 35 years, I absolutley love this bike.

Great video! Not enough people give the Versys X the respect it deserves, like you said about your klr, it can do what ever any bike can do but a little slower. the biggest difference between the two is that the Versys likes to scream higher Thinking about it, can you talk about the two bikes in comparison to each other? They are ment to do the same things after all, and have the same horse power i think

My daughter picked up one of these in December, 2018. What a great little bike! She's off in the military, so for now, the bike is in my care and I've been riding the heck out of it. I guess the deal with the seat is subjective. I've rode the Versys X300 for a 500 mile day and it was no worse for me than some other bikes. I actually think I prefer a wide, firm seat, which is exactly the description of the stock seat. If the bike were mine, though, I would change the seat. But only to get more seat to peg room, not because the seat's uncomfortable for me. I think the Versys X300 is easier to ride in most circumstances than the KLR650 and I'd be willing to take one any place I'd be willing to take a KLR650.

Nice. Man i already wanted one of these but now I super want one!!!

Nice, balanced review. I'm 6 feet tall, and it feels comfortable for me. There's also a higher seat option, but mine has the standard seat and feels right for my size.

I truly liked your review as it was a true first impression and not some arm-chair preconceived notions based on spec sheet data that were "justified". I am 6'7", 36" inseam, so all bikes are small for me. The V300X does not feel cramped for me, but I did invest in a Seat Concepts tall seat an 1" bar risers. for a less cramped feel (and more booty comfort). Overall, it is very close to my KLX650 ergonomically (now) and a lot of fun to ride. Not a bike to overlook because it is "small". Versatile and capable.

The Versys 300 is directly from the lineage of why so many of us loved the older Ninja 250. Light weight, upright posture, good handling, sufficient for highway speeds, big gas tank, good mileage. That little engine needs to spin, if you freak out about turning 8-9k rpm, then this bike isn't for you.

Thanks for such awesome review. I own a 2018 versys-x, and completely agree with you. I am 5'7, so it fits me perfectly. Have done from highway riding to technical off roading, and it does it all, as long as you are not racing and knowing the bike limits.

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I am a 'seasoned rider' who owns an X300......these bikes are a blast! Light weight, cheap, super fuel efficient, and dependable. I've had so much fun motto camping on this bike. It has taken me all over SW Colorado and beyond.....and has never refused anything I have thrown at it. Just slap some real tires on it, and away you go! Thanks for freezing yer butt off and still getting this out! .........

I bought one when they first hit dealers . I have owned many bike from small trail bikes to Goldwings and this is by far the funnest ever . I ride ADV and built a steel skid plate and hand guards within two weeks of getting it . Even with stock tires it went through some extremely rugged off road . Once you break it in and can use the higher revs it is quite impressive . Then I put some 50/50 street legal tires on it and feel pretty much unstoppable on it . Bang for your buck it is hard to beat . Been dependable as a hammer so far . If you would like to see some video of my 300 , search “ following a mountain goat up a forest service road . From buddy “Bigfoot Overland”

Awesome bike have dropped mine 4 times once on street going 20mph bent my foot brake lever used a hammer to bend it back into place still works great very durable only thing I’ve had break is a mirror great first bike especially if your scared of dropping a bike it’s a little tank

I’m looking for another bike that I can do some minor off the pavement camping . This wasn’t even on my radar. Now it is. Thank you!

Fantastic video! I have an X300 and love it. I'm a short light-weight rider, and the X300 fits me perfectly. Ironically its my first adventure bike. On a few occasions I've thought about getting a different ADV bike, but usually after researching, I conclude that my X300 is still the perfect bike for me. Possibly an X400 if Kawa ever makes one, but that said, the 300cc has never failed at anything I attempted, so I guess I can't really complain.

Falo aqui do Brazil, comprei a minha Versys X300 há 2 meses e estou muito satisfeito com a motocicleta.

Have a 2017 I bought in 2018. Three seasons and 18,000 miles later it has been perfect. Not really an off road bike but good on fire roads and gravel. Excellent on back roads and can do 90 on the highway but the engine screams and the MPG's go way down. Seat needs to be replaced because it sucks. Give Terry's custom seats in Tennessee a call and let him fix that for you. Wear out the stock tires and get some Continental Cross Contacts, they are good for 8,000 on the rear. Great bike but the suspension travel is limited and a BDR ride will beat the shit out of you

Excellent first ride and impressions video. I commented on your Instagram post concerning this bike about the seating position and how comfortable it is for me. I'm 5'6" with a 28" inseam, and I don't feel at all cramped on the Versys 300. It is just about perfect for my short legs. I totally agree that it is a great first adventure bike. I found mine, a very slightly used 2017 model, that the previous owner had set up to take on the Transamerica Trail, but never did. So mine has more off-road focused tires and an excellent skid plate. My wife is riding mine some, and she is really enjoying it, as well. She only ever wanted to be a street rider, but I'm trying to win her over to the dual-sport/adventure riding side of motorcycles. This bike is great for that. Thanks for the video! I look forward to many more!

Another good one Dork and I always wonder why the V300 always seems neglected during adventure bike reviews. Certainly looks better than the bug eyed 390 KTM. TOTALLY agree on the two tiered seats. I hate how mine forces me into only one position.

When I decided to get into motorcycling, I was looking at the typical dual sport bikes. I also considered the RE Himilayan. I finally narrowed it down the the RE Himilayan, but I couldn't find them used and didn't want to pay for a new one. I watched a Honda CRF300L video where the guy compared it to the Kawasaki Versys-x 300. I had no interest in the V-x 300, but I checked into it anyway. The more I looked at it, the more I realized it fit my riding interests, plus you could pick them up for reasonable prices used. I found my 2018 for less than blue book. It had 2606 miles on it. The guy even delivered it and gave me a Shoei helmet. It had a top mount case, Barkbuster guards, heated grips, USB charge ports, 15t front sprocket, larger windshield, upgraded seat, and a phone mount. I feel like I got a great deal. I rode it around my neighborhood before I took the MSF safety course and got my license so I could get used to it. It didn't take long. It's very easy to ride with an upright seating position that I like. I like the seat height which allows me to flat foot it. The clutch is pinky pulling easy. It manuevers well at slow speeds. The fuel mileage and fuel range are great. I'm getting over 60 mpg and the fuel capacity is more than I need on any ride I'd take. It has more than enough power for me. I don't care to ride fast. I just want to hit the back roads which are mostly chert or chip/seal around here. It's a basic bike that just works. If I had to complain, I'd say it's hard to get used to the RPMs coming from the pushrod V8 world. I like other bikes, but I can't see me needing anything else.

Nice review ! I'd like a Bike and have very limited experience riding them. I've actually thought an Adventure Bike is what I'd really like - but most are a bit intimidating to me for various reasons. This very well may be the Bike I need.

hopefully we'll get a 400 update in a year or 2.

This is my current and first bike . 30k /km on the odo now and have ridden it thought 20ish countries. It's been almost perfect. Not a single thing has broken on the bike and I have ridden it everywhere. It's amazing on twisty roads and some rough mountain roads in sarajevo. I have test ridden other bike, but honestly I can't find a upgrade. The T7 was way too heavy for the kind of offroad I like to ride. The CRF 300 was good, but it vibed too much on the highway, so that is not good for my travels... So I guess I am stuck with my first bike, utill Kawasaki comes out with a Versys-x 400...

I have a had my versys 300 for a couple of years now. The exact looking model you are reviewing and I love it

Would you chose this bike over Honda crf300L/rally?

Bought my first bike and it is a 2023 Versys 300X. Loved this video.

I just purchased my almost new 2017 Kawasaki X300 Versys on Monday of this week. It had 1540 miles on the odometer and looks absolutely brand new! It was delivered to me by the original owner on Tuesday April 13, 2022 which is the first day that I rode my new motorcycle. The previous owner rode it to my state so that he could rest assured that I would register and title his motorcycle before he turned it over to me. First let me say that I am 68 years old. I am 5-10" tall, weigh 269 pounds and I have a 29/30" pants inseam. I looked all over for specifics on whether this motorcycle would be a good fit for me. I knew it was tall with the seat height at 30.9". But would I fit this motorcycle well. I already had a bad experience owning a 2002 BMW R1150GS that was a huge machine, a real monster. That BMW proved much too tall and heavy for me to safely handle so I sold it right away. I replaced that BMW with a 2001 R1200C Pheonix which proved much more manageable with it's seat height of a mere 29.9". But it is a 1200cc machine which means it is VERY heavy! So I bought a little Honda Grom which proved to be so much fun that I thought to myself, "wow, look at what I have been missing." Then I discovered a Blog online where a girl named Noraly is riding her 2022 Honda CRF300L from South America to Alaska. She calls her site "Itchy Boots" where she posts 3 videos per week on average. After watching her great adventures for a couple of months I decided that I must have a motorcycle just like hers. But then I discovered that the Honda CRF300L is nearly impossible to acquire right now unless you are willing to pay $2,000 over MSRP. Yikes. That is when I discovered the 310 BMW and the X300 Kawasaki Versys. I went with the Versys for several reasons. First, it was availability. Next was value and finally after watching many reviews on RU-vid I liked the twin cylinder water cooled engine making 40hp. So I bought one! I have ridden it 60 miles so far. This is what I can report. First, it IS TALL. We lowered the rear shocks to the lowest factory settings and now I can almost flat foot the motorcycle. It actually seems manageable although I almost dropped it going up the ramp into my shop today. Scared me a bit. The motorcycle is whisper quiet. I like this because my Honda Grom snarls like a mad dog with it's aftermarket Vance & Hines pipe. Really it is too loud. But the X300 has a very nice exhaust note. I do not plan to change this. Next, This motorcycle handles beautifully. The ride height seems tall but the bike is so friendly in every situation. I just love my new X300. Finally, this motorcycle is geared very low. Extremely low. But I guess Kawasaki wanted it this way. I go through the gears to find that I am in 5th at 37mph lol. I hit 6th at about 43 mph and that is the last gear. It seems like it should have a 7th & 8th gear lol. The bike redlines at 12,000 rpm. Whoa, that makes it a screaming machine. When you ride 65mph the engine turns 7,500 rpm. This is very alien to me and seems insane. But there is tons more throttle left after that, all the way to 12,000rpm. Amazing! This bike gets 51mpg so the high rpm must be efficient. I researched re-gearing the bike but you cannot alter it very much without disturbing the engine's code(s). For this reason I plan to leave mine all stock. Finally, the seat is very hard, most uncomfortable. I rode 40 miles today and my Fanny wanted off of this torture device. I guess I am spoiled by the Corbin Seat on my BMW R1200C. Finally, my biggest concern was, "will this motorcycle have enough power to haul my fat butt around lol". Yes it does! The low gearing is so powerful that this little Kawasaki doesn't even know that I am onboard. I get the impression that the X300 could carry a circus elephant if one was so inclined. I hope this little report will help others decide to buy a X300 Versys. I sure am happy with mine. So lite and easy to handle. That is where the fun is!!!

It's weird you said it feels small, I'm 5'11" and I sat on one at a local dealer and I was surprised at how big of a machine it is for a 300. To me it felt like a big ol full size motorcycle. 🤷‍♂️

My third or fourth time watching this. Something's really telling me this is the bike I need to buy. Faster than my DR200, similar gas mileage, much lighter than my v-strom. hmmm.

I just saw this after riding some twisties with a little snow, ice and a bunch of gravel today lol. I bought this a year ago for my son. I’ve personally put over 7000 miles on it myself and can tell you that, after riding for over 40 years on more than 15 bikes ranging from Harleys to Can Ams and R1200GSs to XT250s (the 1980 “Rambo” bike), KLRs and Thruxtons, this is possibly my favorite all around bike of all time. I’ve loved them all, but this little bike is unreal in fun and versatility factor. I got my KLX from Sublimity about a year and a half ago. I love that little beast as well, but I usually reach for the 300-X unless the off-road is too knarly. I like the 300 more than the Versys 650, which is also in my stable. I’d take this over a ninja any day.

Great review !! I agree completely , so much so I have a '19 model . Best all arounder that I've own of the 15 or so motorcycles since 1980. Go buy one ! 👍 oh two things , to make it perfect. Taller aftermarket windscreen if your 6' or taller and change the countershaft sprocket gear one tooth.

This has the hardest seat of any bike I ever sat on, but that clutch has the easiest pull of any clutch ever. These engines are designed to rev. Just let it eat, it will take it.

I had the Versys 300X and traded it for the KTM 390 Adventure and the KTM beets the Versys 300 hands down., Much better off road and much better on the highway, also much better on gas, the Versys 300 x drank gas at highway speeds below 80 km ok but after that millage dropped way down. Should go back and take one out that has had its first service, a completely different bike, ring its neck and it will leave the versys in the dust. I also found it much better on the windy roads and way better on the rough roads. I did go with Dunlop TrailMax Mission tires and up graded the skid plate and hand guards to better KTM ones. One thing I really disliked about the Versys is how high it revved on the highway even after changing the sprocket to cut down the revs. The Versys was a good bike but I grew out of it pretty quick, now have over 10,000 km on the KTM and still loving it. I also put GIVI 33/46 hard bags on the KTM and still get great gas millage, and great handling, even with it loaded down, I did raise the handle bars a bit and might even go a bit higher, but getting use to them now standing up. I have taken the KTM off road with ease where I was having a hard time with the Versys, but mostly sit down on bough, until the going gets rough. Nether of the bides seem to like deep sand or deep mud with ruts, most likely because of the front wheel being 19" and a little on the wide side. I also do not think it fare that you compared the KTM before the first service, when you new that they changed the mapping after the break in. The Versys with a 17 liter tank did not go as far as the KTM with a 14 liter gas tank, per tank of gas.

I'm moving more and more towards this being my next bike. I need a true adv bike in the sense that it will be a 50/50 split on/off road at most, and this one can handle highway with the 300 ninja engine in it, has fairing, but still capable of riding forest roads and a bit more when I get where I want to be - and I'm only 5' 7" so options are limited. This seems like the best compromise. I'd consider BMW or KTM small bikes, but not sure about reliability on them yet. I'd consider a used CB500X as well, so I can get the price down a bit - but seem hard to find (sign of a good bike - people not selling them).

I've owned two xt225 and currently own an xt250 been riding XT bikes for Years love them I think they're bulletproof but I have always thought of buying a versys 300 just because I have such a long commute to work that is over 40kms and I think the versys would do a much better job as a commuter bike obviously than the XT250. Also I like the idea of taking the wife on the back and I think the versys would be much also a much better bite to do that to go on some little day trips. I'm not a big guy only 135 lb and a 30 in inseam so there's not many bikes out there that I feel comfortable on even though I like to think I have a decent amount of experience. Pretty sure my next bike will be a versys 300. And congrats on doing RU-vid full time I've been a follower for a while now like the videos was thinking of doing something like that myself starting a channel love the idea of it. keep up the good work 👍

Anything from yamaha honda kawasaki is good and reliable and durable and will last life long Personally my dream bike are Tenere700 and Tracer900GT

Ay been a while. Hope you've been doing well. Looking good, too! I wish I had considered this bike back when I was starting to get interested in ADV riding. Ended up getting a 2013 G650GS and I have come to hate it. Going to be selling it as soon as I get a chance, and picking up the Versys X 300. So I'll have two Versys in my limited collection lol. Thanks for the ride review. Sealed my decision about getting one. Take care!

Enjoying your real world reviews! Have you tested the BMW G310 GS?

I have the V300X made a small mod that changed the bike for good, 3 theet down on the back sprocket and I love it

Have to disagree about the 390, but the versus is a great platform. More recent models anyway. Looking forward to see what people are thinking about the new updated 2022 Versys 650.

My wife loves hers and is getting pretty good at jumping cattle guards with it. It went everywhere our group went at the Giant Loop ride this year.

Hello, Internet biking buddy. Question: a year later, is this still your pick for a beginner ADV or would you recommend a RE Himalayan instead? Or even the KTM since it now comes with spoke wheels?

Hello internet motorcycle buddy. I am a new Versys owner. I am a "new rider" because it's been a while, but also a very seasoned individual. The Versys 300 IS definitely great for MOST entry level riders. I bought the Versys along with it's sibling the Ninja 1000 in April 2024. So this (these) are the first motorcycles that I've owned in about 45 years. The "prep time" to get on the Versy and zoom off to work is almost nil. But to ride my Ninja 1000 SX takes some prep time. First I have to decide if I am mentally prepared to launch 140++ HP over one wheel at 7 a.m. Then I have to back the Ninja down from the garage down to the street. Once I am onboard and go through the mental checklist (3 or 4 times) I am all smiles for the 7 1/2 miles to work.. that IS the saddest (sadist? part) // Once I am on the Ninja it feels like I am committing motorcycle abuse by riding such a short distance. // My first motorcycle was a 1974 Honda CL125. I'm 225 lbs, height 67". With the Versys I get 60.3 mpg in city driving. // My only caveat to new riders. This motorcycle has a front wheel that is a larger diameter than the rear wheel. This affects the performance on curves. The Versys will want to counteract the rider's lean into the curve. // So... the absolute best beginner bike. Something you will be bored with in a year or less. Any plain old street bike that keeps you in an upright position, with 350cc or less. Consider used bikes first, as this is just like... well, you know, that relationship you had way back. // Oh, and by the way. I never expected all the compliments that I get on how good this bike looks.

Had my eyes on this bike awhile never seen one in person. Closest dealer is over hour and never has any. But think it would fit me well.

Have one, love it...great for Moto camping....live on long gravel driveway....does everything I want

That silver is 😙👌 If your looking for an adv/tourer or just an upright sporty bike. It's very underrated, and if your on the fence between a Versys or KLR for on road...dare I say it's almost better😳😆 A WeeStrom is a great comparison and 300cc more, and better for 2up.

Sir, you are the same height and have the same inseam as me. Which adventure bike would you recommend used or new for under $6000 that allows my legs to not be too bent and is good for mostly street riding? I was thinking about the KLR650, but would prefer something with a few more features or modernity. Thank you!

6 feet + tall. I went ktm 390 adv. The up side it has power. Good off and on road. Bad, the stock seat. Cruse control after market is excellent. To bad you don't care for the ktm. To each his own.

The Versys-X 300 has a 4.5 gallon fuel tank for true ADV bike range, which every other bike in this class does not have. It's easy to add larger pegs, a more comfortable seat, or knobbier tires, but there are no aftermarket larger tanks for the G310GS, 390 Adventure, etc. I'm not the guy who always wants a bigger engine, but Kawi's 400 cc engine would make this an EVERYTHING bike. 300 cc is weak on the highway.

I’m 46, considering getting my first motorcycle ever for city commuting and occasional light off road in South FL. I’m deciding between the Versys-X 300 and the Honda CB500x.

Looks as an excellent for me!! 50 years old beginner passing from maxi scooter. But leaving in Serbia 🇷🇸, difficult to get this beauty 2022 model or older!?? Did you try duo?! Thanx for your excellent video ✌️😎

Bought mine used 300miles 3k$ on Facebook awesome bike lots of room to do self maintenance lots of suspension can hit speed bumps going 40+mph sorry kids. Just a tad tall I’m 5’9 can get both feet down on tippy toes and one foot down comfortably

As terrible as the roads are these days, I think something like this would make a great commuter bike. I absolutely wouldn't want to hit a pothole in a Ninja. But this should be able to handle it, and it's plenty fast enough to drive on public roads in traffic.

Just spent $600 on an oil change on a bmw r1250gsa and they didn’t wash it. Making me miss Japanese bikes.

How's your opinion 2 years later? Could this bike handle the Oregon BDR?

These are such great and underrated bikes. Lightweight with a humble engine and good fuel range makes a fun platform for adventure.

I can't decide between a 2022 KLR or this versys 300 im going back and fourth. Reliability and storage there almost equal. I come from street bikes and want a adventure bike to learn offloading or atleast easy gravel roads. I love the KLR look but afraid its slow for what I'm used to. The 300 might be just as fast or faster but can it handle everything as well.

i,m 55 owed to many bikes to list both big nd small i bought a versys 300 and it is a good bike for beginers but it just agood bike for anyone with years of experience , i drift mine round corners on dirt roads and have no problem getting it to beak loose in the rear it does have to rev a lot higher then your typical single cylinder to do it. the one thing i don,t like much is not having the ability to shut the abs off at the rear tire when off road

Think this is going to be the first bike I buy next year I’m short and broke my neck before I want something I can have fun on without being too super big/fast

40 Fahrenheit is more like 4 celsius... 32f is 0c and a degree fahrenheit is about half a degree celsius.

Kawasaki should make a "NinjAdventure" motorcycle since it is the same engine. How would you compare the X-300 with Honda's 500X?

Would you choose this or the CB500x?

I wish you would have expanded a little more on why this was better for new riders over the KTM 390. It's very clear what your opinion is, just isn't so clear as to why you feel that way.

I’m about to get my license in 2 months and always liked the look of adventure bikes. Still not sure if I actually want to get the versys or a grom for fun.

It takes a lot of effort to avoid trouble with this kind of mindset lord don't forget about me i am yours

Hmm, as far as intimidation and power comparison, would both this and a KLR both be similar? Could a new rider hop on a KLR or this and still be comfortable or is the versys the way better option. Hopefully that makes sense!

a beauty but 120 on the highway on 9000 + Rpms is just not for me

Those are killer little bikes

Hey mate, love your videos, thanks. I'm tossing up whether to get the RE Himalayan, the KTM 390 Adventure or this Kawasaki. The Kawasaki looks pretty vulnerable underneath, what is the bash plate like? Also, of those three, which one would you choose if you were me? I'm complete novice adventure rider. Thanks in advance.

Well done for a limited but comprehensive update.....started on a Honda XL250R back in the 80's have been looking at a few different bikes lately offering that versatility thing....g310gs, CB500X, Vstrom 650....I'm also a total short arse at 172cm....with an inner seam that is less than 26inches.... I also want to be able to pick the bloody thing up if and when I drop it....and the kwaka is a nice looking rig....yes I've subscribed....party on dude !

I think the bike would like nicer with a GS style beak fender.

It takes a lot of effort to avoid trouble now a days and lord i am your slave so please have mercy

Two tear seats and the pointy plastics fff89ooo96 the triple

nice comments, just reached 130 miles today on mine, 3rd moto for me, first was 30 years ago in Taipei 125 Sanyang international transmission classic wire spoke wheels motorcycle, 2nd about 12 years ago, a cheap China Scooter 150cc twist and go (gas savings really did cover the purchase of that one back then we also had $5 dollar gas), This one will be a commuter bike primarily for me, and at 6'7" it seems to fit ok, my biggest worry was if my knees would stick up above the gas tank (but they don't) and when my feet are on the ground it is very much a seated position/ not standing. I did have to stand up on the pegs today for one intersection *the drainage dip was pretty deep/ didn't want to take that seated.

Man, nice I had a 2020 versys x300, but I traded it in on my new 2022 KLR650, the x300 was a lot of fun but to buzzy for me, I bought the new KLR because it's a big thumper, glad I did, love it!

I fancy replacing my Varadero 125 with one of these in due course. It’s capable but wieldy. If you get really stuck you could man handle it out unlike its bigger cousins. I understand that it can benefit from sprocket changes for longer legs when munching miles.

Thanks! You could look at the French couple who rode around the world on two identical Kawasaki Versys-X 300: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-AOIbCEaM3lY.html&ab_channel=MotoMagazine